Toyota’s Australian GAZOO Racing stable will further expand in the first quarter of 2023 when the GR Corolla hot hatch arrives, with approximately 500 units secured for Australia in the first year of production.
The GR Corolla will bring the number of GR models in Australia to four, sitting alongside the GR Supra, GR Yaris and GR86. It will also complete the Corolla family, which will be offered locally in hatch, sedan, SUV and performance hot hatch form.
Dealers are already taking expressions of interest, despite pricing for the GR Corolla yet to be confirmed (that will happen closer to the model’s launch). It borrows the powerful and responsive engine from the GR Yaris.
Under the bonnet of the GR Corolla, the G16E-GTS 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine has been enhanced further with more power to suit the larger hatch, with a 10 per cent increase in power to 220kW.
Mated exclusively to an intelligent six-speed manual transmission, the GR Corolla employs the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system developed through Toyota’s involvement in the World Rally Championship.
Customers will have the choice of four drive modes – Normal, Sport, Track and Custom – allowing them to finely tailor the drive mode to the conditions, all with the support of a limited-slip differential for superb grip and road holding ability.
The GR Corolla is easily distinguished as a member of the GAZOO Racing family thanks to its expansive lower grille opening shared by other GR products, while the rear triple-exit exhaust tips and aerodynamic spoiler make the GR Corolla’s performance intentions clear.
Large 18-inch black alloy wheels shod in high-performance Yokohama ADVAN Apex tyres provide visual and dynamic enhancements, as do the widened front and rear tracks.
Inside, the GR Corolla features an 8.0-inch touchscreen display screen with Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay and satellite navigation, all included as part of the infotainment system.
For clear and instant information for the driver, the GR Corolla incorporates a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster display, head-up display and a wireless smartphone charger.
Comfort features include dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather trim for the steering wheel, parking lever and shift knob, power windows, smart entry and start, illuminated entry and tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment.
The GR Corolla will arrive in Australia with a high level of active safety features as standard, including pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and daylight cyclist detection, intersection assist, and emergency steering assist.
It will also come with lane trace assist, active cruise control, blind spot monitor, reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors. Toyota Connected Services will also provide owners with greater peace of mind, safety and convenience.
Further details on the GR Corolla, including pricing will be announced closer to the model’s launch in the first quarter of 2023. If you’re keen on one and need finance, talk to CreditOne.
